DFA warns Pinoys traveling to Hong Kong not to carry restricted items

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reminded Filipinos traveling to Hong Kong not to carry prohibited items in their luggage.

“DFA reiterates its warning to all Filipinos traveling to or transiting through Hong Kong as visitors, workers, or as residents to make sure they are not carrying restricted items in their hand-carried or checked-in luggage,” DFA said in a statement on Friday.

The DFA said stun guns, pepper spray, tear gas, bullets, extendable batons, flick knives and knuckleduster are restricted under the Aviation Security Ordinance or the Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance of Hong Kong.

Travelers who will be arrested for bringing prohibited weapons could face a penalty of five years of imprisonment and around HK$100,000.

Those who will be arrested for possession of stunning devices will be penalized with a maximum fine of HK$100,000 and 14 years of imprisonment.

According to DFA, 20 Filipinos, who are mostly traveling through the Hong Kong International Airport, were penalized in 2018 for possession of illegal items. (Editor: Eden Estopace)